Photograph manipulation

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Photo manipulation refers to the process of modifying or altering photographs by using various methods and techniques to achieve desired results. It’s a practice that dates back to the 19th century and includes traditional methods such as retouching and airbrushing, as well as modern digital tools like Adobe Photoshop. The evolution from film to digital photography[1] has significantly enhanced the quality of manipulated images and has made the process more accessible. However, photo manipulation is not without controversy. Its usage in politics, advertising[2] and social media[3] has often been linked to deception[4], propaganda, and unrealistic body ideals. Moreover, the rise of advanced technologies like deepfake[5] have raised ethical and legal concerns. Despite this, it is also widely used in artistic expression, with techniques like double exposure or retouching used to create unique images. Hence, photo manipulation is a complex practice with significant impact on our visual culture.

Terms definitions
1. digital photography. Digital photography is a modern technology that captures images through an electronic photodetector, which is then converted into a digital file by an analog-to-digital converter. This process eliminates the need for chemical processing, traditionally used in film photography. The digital image can be stored, viewed, edited, and shared electronically. Key developments in digital photography include the invention of the charge-coupled device (CCD) in 1969, the introduction of the JPEG image standard in 1992, and the incorporation of digital cameras into mobile phones around 2000. The quality of a digital photo is often determined by factors such as pixel count and sensor size. Digital photography has revolutionized the photography industry, enabling faster workflow, better image quality, and easier sharing of images via social media and other digital platforms.
2. advertising. Advertising is a form of communication used to inform or persuade an audience, often with the goal of selling a product or service. Its history dates back to ancient civilizations, where Egyptians used papyrus for sales messages, and wall paintings were used in ancient Asia, Africa, and South America for promotional purposes. The medium evolved over time, from print in newspapers to audio-visual and digital mediums, with the rise of mass media and technological advancements. Advertising strategies can vary, aiming to raise awareness or drive sales, and can target different audiences on a local, national, or global scale. Various methods include print, radio, web banners, and television ads, among others. New trends have emerged in the advertising business models, like guerrilla marketing and interactive ads. The role of women in advertising has also been notable, with their insights being valued due to their purchasing power.

Photograph manipulation involves the transformation or alteration of a photograph. Some photograph manipulations are considered to be skillful artwork, while others are considered to be unethical practices, especially when used to deceive. Photographs may be manipulated for political propaganda, to improve the appearance of a subject, for entertainment, or as humor.

Australian photographer Frank Hurley formed this composite photograph from three original negatives of World War I Belgium. Hurley argued with superiors over the ethics of compositing photos, arguing that war was conducted on such a vast scale that it was impossible to capture the essence of it in a single negative.

Depending on the application and intent, some photograph manipulations are considered an art form because they involve creation of unique images and in some instances, signature expressions of art by photographic artists. For example, Ansel Adams used darkroom exposure techniques, burning (darkening) and dodging (lightening) a photograph. Other techniques include retouching using ink or paint, airbrushing, double exposure, piecing photos or negatives together in the darkroom, and scratching instant films. Software tools applied to digital images range from professional applications to basic imaging software for casual users. Photoshopping is a verb for photograph manipulation as a genericized trademark or Adobe Photoshop.

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